.556 ammo with Bushmaster?

I bought some ammo that I got at a good deal in .556 and I have a Bushmaster Varminter .223. After checking Bushmaster's website, they say this:

All Bushmaster rifles are chambered to accept 5.56mm ammunition and always have been. The NATO Spec 5.56mm chambers have a longer "leade" or throat than the SAAMI Spec .223 caliber chambers which have about half of the leade or throat of the 5.56mm chambering. While it is safe to fire both 5.56mm and .223 caliber ammunition in our rifles, the 5.56mm ammunition should not be fired in rifles chambered in .223 caliber as they will develop very high pressures.

So now I am thinking they are trying to have it both ways. They say it's safe, but don't do it. Do I need to either get rid of the ammo or go buy a .556? :confused:

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Finedges

March 31, 2011, 08:21 PM

You're good to shoot 5.56 in the Bushy. Their recommendation not to use 5.56 in a gun specifically chambered for .223 does not apply to their firearms. They are basically saying just because our(Bushmaster) guns can use both, it's not a universal concept with all .233 rifles. Hope this helps.

M1key

March 31, 2011, 08:25 PM

Give Bushmaster a call to verify chamber dimensions.

M

Tommygunn

March 31, 2011, 08:42 PM

Give Bushmaster a call to verify chamber dimensions.

I did that a number of months ago for a slightly different purpose; if the gun is marked "5.56mm." then it is good for 5.56 or .223.

matrem

March 31, 2011, 08:43 PM

All Bushmaster rifles are chambered to accept 5.56mm ammunition and always have been.
That's about as cut and dried as it gets.
Even their "varminter" & and "predator" with "hybrid" chambers are advertised to accept 5.56.

toejamm

March 31, 2011, 08:50 PM

Previous THR threads address this in great detail. If you do a quick search you'll find what you're looking for.
In the meantime a quick overview is such:
1) Bushmaster rifles, and others specifically chambered in 5.56 will shoot either 5.56 or .223. although it is said that 5.56 shot from a 5.56 chamber is more accurate than the .223 with the leade difference (All things being equal). From shooting my Bushmaster, I have found that to be the case.
2) A rifle chambered in .223 specifically, CAN, shoot 5.56 but your manufacturer should be consulted as to whether it is safe to do so. The guys at THR who are knowledgable with balistics, can, and have, explained why (See old threads). The excessive pressures can possibly damage the rifle, and shooter.

Either way, your Bushmaster is AOK with either.

Shurshot

March 31, 2011, 08:58 PM

well I appreciate the answers. I should have looked the rifle over a little closer before I even posted this because it is stamped right on the receiver ".223 - .556" :o

I guess I was all wrapped up in the thought of getting a new carbine... :D

I just ordered a new Aimpoint CompM4s and I am going to try it out on the Bushmaster and I don't know how I will like it since that gun has the longer barrel.

Shurshot

March 31, 2011, 09:07 PM

Previous THR threads address this in great detail. If you do a quick search you'll find what you're looking for.

thank you for your words of wisdom... however I did search before I posted and even searched other websites also. I didn't find the answer. maybe I don't have your searching skills, but thank you for your reply.

Sky

March 31, 2011, 09:16 PM

The only problem I had with my Varminter and Predator......they do not like steel case ammo due to tighter chambers. These rifles are very accurate with the proper ammo and I use mine for open long shot hunting and paper punching.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=548179

Is the thread about these rifles.

kwelz

March 31, 2011, 09:25 PM

Just a word to the wise. Bushmasters often have tight chambers. If you can find someone who has a Chamber reamer I suggest you ask them to let you use it.

Sky

March 31, 2011, 09:42 PM

The 14.5 Bushmaster will shoot anything just like my other ARs. The Varminter and Predator.......Quote from above listed thread; NY32182 "The Bushys you cite are totally different guns. Bushmaster with standard barrel and the CMMG are very similar, but the barrels you are talking about on the Bushmasters (my note;he is talking about the Varminter and Predator) were not meant for ultimate reliability, but are built for accuracy. That means tighter chamber, non-chrome lined, etc, which all means that they will be pickier about ammo to run right". IMO quote is 100% correct.

newfalguy101

March 31, 2011, 09:48 PM

All Bushmaster rifles are chambered to accept 5.56mm ammunition and always have been.

This is all you need to know

Guess I will leave it as I cant figure out how to delete the stupid thing..

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